Oh, and as a bonus tip, if anyone tells you that analog is dead and all you need to know is digital, that's your screaming red flag that they don't have a clue what they're talking about and you should go elsewhere for advice.

I'm glad someone finally said something like this. I felt like I've been taking crazypills reading some of the comments here (not this thread in particular, but in the sub as a whole). I can never really tell when someone knows a lot more than me, or is just using incorrect terminology and giving loosely coherent information. And I feel that is why many comments that give out bad information/advice get upvoted anyways.. because they "sound legit". I know people really like to help and mean well, but it's very confusing to sort through the good and not-so-good info/advice, especially when it's all upvoted.

And I feel some of the more experienced here give bad advice as well, because they don't remember how much time it takes to learn everything they have learned. A beginner comes in and asks how to make the Large Hadron Collider from scratch, subtly reveals they don't know much about electronics, and receives multiple comments basically regurgitating years of knowledge and experience that can be summed up as "it's easy, just build it". Yea, it's easy for someone with years of experience and the knowledge needed, but a beginner needs to be told out-right when they are way over their head (not saying this post is way over OP's head, as OP is on the right track with selecting parts pre-built for easy integration) so they don't waste their time, money, and sanity.

Sorry OP for my meta-rant in your thread. You're on the right path with your project, but someone needs to clear up a few things for you on the parts selection process. I'd help out, but it would take me a while to look at all the parts and give you a solid response with everything you need to know... something I don't have the patience for right now after my diatribe.